Fred Berman’s narration brings out the horrors—those caused by both zombies and humans—in this latest installment in Kirkman and Bonansinga’s Governor saga. Lilly Caul and a small band of survivors are caught up in the day-to-day fight to stay alive: scavenging for food and supplies while doing their best to hide from the wandering hoards of zombies whose only objective is to find and consume the living. With winter coming and provisions running low, things are looking bleak, until the intrepid group finds sanctuary in the idyllic town of Woodbury, run by the seemingly benevolent Philip Blake, a.k.a. the Governor. However, not everything in Woodbury is as perfect as it seems, and Lilly soon discovers that flesh-eating zombies may not be the worst evil walking. Berman keeps the story moving at a solid pace; his action sequences are exciting and suspenseful, while he lends more quiet moments and intimate quality. He also provides distinct and individual voices to an array of characters, especially Lily’s ragtag group and the villainous Governor. A Thomas Dunne hardcover. (Oct.)